President Joe Biden announced Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for up to 18 months for Palestinians currently residing in the United States. The president took this action due to the terrorist attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, the military response, and the humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian territories, particularly Gaza. Individuals do not need to
DED
U.S. Extends, Expands Deferred Enforced Departure for Hong Kongers
Hong Kong activists living in the United States in Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) status worried about whether their DED extended beyond the February 5, 2023, deadline. On January 26, 2023, by way of a memorandum, President Joe Biden extended and expanded eligibility for DED for certain Hong Kong residents for 24 months, until 2025.
In…
Humanitarian Parole Program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans with Sponsorship
As of January 6, 2023, Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans and their immediate family members may be eligible for safe passage into the United States for up to two years as parolees if they have a financial supporter. This program is like the Uniting for Ukraine program. Organizations, including companies, can provide the financial…
Foreign Student-Athletes and Name, Image, Likeness
Prior to 2021, collegiate student-athletes were not able to make sponsorship deals and profit from their names, images, and likenesses (NILs). However, in 2021, that changed when the NCAA adopted a new policy allowing student-athletes (those headed for professional teams, as well as less prominent players) to profit from, and build their brands, while in…
Venezuela Temporary Protected Status Extended Into 2024
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan nationals from September 10, 2022, through March 10, 2024, due to the country’s continuing severe political and economic crises.
On September 7, 2022, DHS published instructions in the Federal Register regarding TPS eligibility and how to apply for an extension.
The…
Biden Administration Extends Liberian DED
President Joe Biden extended Deferral of Enforced Departure (DED) and employment authorization for Liberians from June 30, 2022 until June 30, 2024. On September 6, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published instructions regarding that implementation in the Federal Register.
Those who are eligible for the extension are Liberians who:
- Are present in the
…
Deferral of Enforced Departure Extended for Liberians
President Joe Biden has extended Deferral of Enforced Departure (DED) and employment authorization for Liberians until June 30, 2024. Accordingly, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will publish instructions regarding the implementation in the Federal Register.
Because of armed conflict, civil strife and Ebola, Liberians were granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in 1991. By 2007,…
Major Immigration Law Changes in House’s Build Back Better Act
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act (BBBA) (H.R. 5376) by a vote of 220–213. Supported by the Biden Administration and congressional Democrats, the controversial bill heads to the Senate with key immigration reform provisions.
Protections and Work Permits
Section 60001 of the BBBA includes language that would amend…
Hong Kong Residents on U.S. Deferred Enforced Departure Can Apply for Employment Authorization
Instructions allowing Hong Kong Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) beneficiaries to apply for employment authorization have been published in the Federal Register.
On August 5, 2021, President Biden granted DED for certain eligible residents of Hong Kong for 18 months, until February 5, 2023, and directed that instructions on how to apply for employment authorization…
Illinois Adds Protection for Dreamers, Other Non-U.S. Citizens to State’s Human Rights Act
Illinois has amended the Illinois Human Rights Act to make “work authorization status” a protected category.
The amendment, Public Act 102-0233, became effective immediately upon the governor’s signing in early-August.
Under the amendment, “work authorization status” is defined as the status of a person born outside of the United States, and not a U.S.…